Carnegie Library

Origins

The building began in 1901 as the City needed space for a new library. At this time, Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist who made his fortune through the steel industry, had been providing money for numerous library projects around North America. George Maxwell, a Vancouver MP, petitioned Carnegie for funds and received $50,000 for the purpose of a library’s construction. With the money now in hand, choosing a location proved difficult as residents on downtown’s Westside wanted the library at Dunsmir/Hamilton, and the those on the east side wanted the building and Hastings and Main. A plebiscite vote had to be called, with the eastern district winning by a significant majority.

1902 - Photo Credit: Vancouver Archives


The site was significant as it was right beside the city hall in 1901, helping define the area as Vancouver’s community centre. George William Grant was chosen as the architect and building began a year later, with the Grand Masonic Order laying the first stone in a large celebration to mark the occasion. The large celebration helps demonstrate the importance of the library building and the enthusiasm the city had for its construction. When the building was finished in 1903, it not only provided books, but also as a place for parents to bring children with special reading rooms as well as numerous community functions such as a picture gallery and lecture hall. Later, the city museum was added to the top floor in 1905

Today

“To nurture mind, body and spirit in a safe and welcoming environment. Through the leadership and participation of our volunteers we provide social, educational, cultural and recreational activities for the benefit of the people of the Downtown Eastside."
-Carnegie Community Centre, mission statement


Today, the building looks much the same. The same pillars frame the entrance with the same gray stone gracing the exterior. However, the neighbourhood around it has changed. Significant drug use and homelessness has replaced what was once defined as the city hall squared.


Despite this, the Carnegie building continues to be a focal point and community centre for the downtown eastside, and has adapted as the area’s residents and visitors changed. As before, the building provides numerous community services such as a cafeteria, weight room and library. Moreover, the Carnegie Outreach Team is located at the centre and provides assistance to homeless and drug addicted individuals. The Carnegie Centre will likely continue to remain as an important resource in the community, providing it with much needed services.

 

Work Cited

  • City of Vancouver. Carnegie Community Centre. 25 November 2011 <http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/CARNEGIECENTRE/>.
  • Howell, Mike. "Hail to the Carnegie." The Vancouver Courier 05 Aguust 2004.
  • Vancouver Public Library. Library History. 5 November 2011 <http://www.vpl.ca/about/cat/C401/#car>.